In the ongoing India–US trade negotiations, one issue that has stirred both emotional and economic debate is the controversy over American dairy imports—specifically, India’s resistance to the so-called “non-veg milk.” At the heart of the matter is the use of blood meal—a slaughterhouse by-product rich in protein—commonly used in the feed of dairy cattle in the United States. For many in India, where cows are sacred and vegetarianism is deeply interwoven with religious and ethical beliefs, this practice is not just unacceptable but deeply offensive.
India, home to the world’s largest population of vegetarians and profoundly influenced by Hindu and Jain philosophies, considers milk a sacred and satvik (pure) food. Dr. Neelam Singh, a dairy scientist with the National Dairy Research Institute, explains, “Milk in India is more than just nutrition. It is a spiritual substance—used in rituals, offered to deities, and seen as an extension of the sacred cow. Milk derived from cattle fed on animal remains simply cannot be accepted here.”
This cultural line has become a significant stumbling block in trade discussions. The United States, aiming to expand its dairy exports, views India’s ban on such milk as a non-tariff barrier—an unfair restriction not based on food safety or scientific standards, but on cultural preferences. U.S. trade representatives argue that American milk meets global health standards and that barring it undermines the principle of fair competition in international trade.
However, the Indian government has remained firm. Since the early 2000s, India has insisted that any dairy imports must come from animals raised without animal-derived feed. This condition has been repeatedly resisted by the U.S., whose dairy industry widely uses blood meal, meat meal, and bone meal to enhance cattle growth and milk yield.
The debate highlights a broader conflict between cultural sovereignty and global commerce. “This is not simply about economics or protein,” says Ananya Bhatt, a food anthropologist at Mumbai University. “It’s about how countries preserve their values while engaging in trade. Globalization shouldn’t mean erasing ethical boundaries in the name of open markets.”
There’s also the issue of consumer trust. Indian consumers—particularly vegetarians—expect their food to align with ethical and religious standards. A 2023 survey by the Centre for Consumer Studies revealed that over 75% of Indian dairy consumers would reject milk if it came from animals fed on blood meal, regardless of its nutritional or safety profile.
On the other hand, some Indian economists are concerned about the long-term trade implications. Refusing U.S. dairy products could complicate broader trade agreements, especially as India seeks closer ties with the West amid a shifting global order. “India must strike a balance,” says Rajeev Mehta, an international trade analyst. “We can’t isolate ourselves with cultural arguments if we want to be a key player in global trade negotiations. However, we also must not compromise on issues that go to the heart of national identity.”
A potential middle path could lie in labeling and certification. Some experts suggest that India could permit the import of American dairy products that are certified as “vegetarian-fed” or clearly labeled to inform consumers. However, such proposals have yet to be incorporated into formal trade agreements.
The 'non-veg milk' controversy is more than a quirky trade dispute—it is a microcosm of a larger challenge faced by many nations: reconciling local values with the demands of a globalized economy. In this case, milk has become a symbol of purity, faith, identity, and resistance. As India and the U.S. continue to negotiate, the outcome of this dairy debate will serve as a telling measure of how cultural sensitivity is balanced against the pressures of global commerce.
Akansha Sharma is a trainee journalist at Cult Current. The views expressed in the article are
her ownand do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Cult Current.